Antioxidant Responses and Growth Impairment in Infected by .

Pumpkins (), valued for their nutritional, medicinal, and economic significance, face threats from , a critical plant-parasitic nematode. This study extensively examines the impact of on the growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of . We demonstrate that infection leads to significant growth impairment in , evidenced by reduced plant height and biomass, along with the significant development of nematode-induced galls. Concurrently, a pronounced oxidative stress response was observed, characterized by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide and a significant increase in antioxidant defense mechanisms, including the upregulation of key antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and peroxidase) and the accumulation of glutathione. These responses highlight a dynamic interaction between the plant and the nematode, wherein activates a robust antioxidant defense to mitigate the oxidative stress induced by nematode infection. Despite these defenses, the persistence of growth impairment underscores the challenge posed by to the agricultural production of . Our findings contribute to the understanding of plant-nematode interactions, paving the way for the development of strategies aimed at enhancing resistance in Cucurbitaceae crops against nematode pests, thus supporting sustainable agricultural practices.